Cradle Mountain Walk

This fantastic 3 day walking holiday is for our guests who want to experience hiking in Cradle Mountain National Park without having to undertake an arduous walking experience with packs. You’ll explore magnificent Crater Lake, Lake Lila, Dove Lake and for those who are up to the challenge.. a walk to the summit of Cradle Mountain.

A Pack Free Walk
This walk has been designed to be Pack Free so that you can concentrate on the walking and avoid struggling with carryng your clothes and a heavy pack. Each day you will just need to carry your water and lunch leaving you free to enjoy your walk not endure it!

The extra ‘Wow Factor’ – Helicopter FlightThere’s nothing like experiencing the grandeur of Cradle Mountain from the air. On day three after your walk you will join an amazing helicopter flight and experience spectacular views as we fly over Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain like no one other walker will see it. Take in views of Central Highlands peaks and on a clear day Bass Strait.

EASIER WALK GRADE: Wombat Pools and Lake Hike. 5.4kms. There is a moderate amount of steps

WALK ITINERARY: Meet your friendly Tasmanian guides at 7.30am at the Grand Chancellor, Launceston. From here we drive two hours through the rich fertile farmlands and quaint villages to Cradle Mountain where your adventure begins. Today we will explore the 9.4km trail which circumnavigates Crater Lakes and offers stunning views of the lake from both Crater Peak and at water level from the shores of the lake. With the iconic Cradle Mountain in the background during this walk, you can see how in the past extensive glaciation has shaped the environment. After our walk we head to our accommodation at the iconic Cradle Mountain Lodge, located on the edge of Cradle Mountain National Park. Tonight enjoy a superb dinner in the Highland Restaurant featuring local produce served with fine Tasmanian wines.

Easier walk option available to Wombat Pools and Lake. This walk has great views of Lake Lilla and Wombat Pool.

OPTIONAL CRADLE MOUNTAIN SUMMIT GRADE: Optional. Total kilometres for the day for those choosing this option is 12.2km. Hard Grade. Excellent level of fitness and agility required as involves rock climbing, boulder hopping and rock scrambling 50%.

WALK ITINERARY: Enjoy breakfast at Cradle Mountain Lodge before setting out on the day’s adventure. Our circuit walk today explores magnificent Cradle Mountain and its stunning reflections in the waters of Dove Lake. A trip to its summit is an obvious choice when visiting the most photographed peak in Tasmania. On our way we pass Lake Lilla, where we may happen to spot a wombat at Wombat Pool. Once on the plateau at Kitchener’s Hut we are finally at the base of Cradle Mountain. The mountain is a remarkable sight being made up of high narrow ridge with dolerite cliffs on both sides.

CRADLE MOUNTAIN SUMMIT OPTION: For the more active members of our group can choose an additional optional walk to the summit of Cradle Mountain to take in magnificent views across the Tasmanian Highlands. For those who attempt this please note this additional walk to the summit involves rock climbing, boulder hopping and rock scrambling 50% of the time up the mountain and requires good agility and fitness. Please note this option is only available when the weather is suitable – the guide will make the call on the day whether this walk proceeds based on safety.

On our way back to Cradle Mountain Lodge we pass the impressive Lesser Mountains of Weindorfers Tower and little horn finally passing the twisted lakes and Lake Hanson. One of the best and iconic walks in Tasmania.

Tonight enjoy a superb dinner featuring local produce and Tasmanian wine in the delightful Highlands Restaurant at Cradle Mountains Lodge.

Note: When there is 8 or more passengers on tour, we have two guides offering a choice of two walking options – our main walk and the Cradle Mountain Summit option. Tours with 7 or less people will only have 1 guide and therefore the whole group will need to select the same option. Please feel free to check with our office when booking.

WALK ITINERARY: This morning after a delicious breakfast, we head out or the last of our walks to stunning Dove Canyon. This appealing walk meanders through a wide variety of vegetation, including button grass plains, open forest, myrtle rainforest and the deep valley of the canyon. During this walk you will visit the rugged gorges and lovely waterfalls that have been eroded by Pencil Pine Creek and Dove River.

Afterwards we finish our journey with a sensational helicopter flight over Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain for a stunning view of this alpine region. This will give you a view like no other and allow you to get appreciate the grandeur of Cradle Mountain and the Central Highlands, with up close views of the dramatic peaks. A sensational way to end of walking experience. Afterwards we return to Launceston arriving at approximately 5.00pm via a transfer service.

OPTIONAL 4 DAY WALK
For those up to the challenge, why not add an additional day’s walking experience to your Cradle Mountain walk as we take you into the remote Walls of Jerusalem. This is a challenging day’s walk rated as hard, only accessible by foot you’ll see stunning views of King David’s Peak, Solomon’s Jewels and Herod’s Gate

Professionally guided. Our CEO’s – Chief Experience Officers are locals who are passionate, well trained and enthusiastic with the ability to bring to life a depth of information

Fresh fruit and trail mix to enjoy during your walk

Transfers to and from Launceston

Transfers to our trails

Please note: we advise drinking in moderation as walking can be strenuous. Wine is served to enjoy with your dinner only, if you would like to enjoy alcohol pre or post dinner this will be at your own expense.

Accommodation:

Cradle Mountain Lodge

We know our guests would rather avoid overcrowded walking huts, so we always ensure your accommodation provides all the creature comforts you deserve. We have chosen the best accommodation in the region, with our guests enjoying two wonderful evenings at the iconic Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Set on the edge of Cradle Mountains-Lake St Clair National Park, this mountain lodge enjoys breathtaking scenery, beautiful wilderness surrounds and stylish rooms with fires.

Room Configuration: Please note each cabin contains a queen bed and a single bed. If you are travelling solo and wishing to share, one person will be allocated to the Queen Bed (the first to book) and the other person occupying the single bed (see photo above) will receive a $100 discount. Singles can pay a single supplement of $320 to have their own room for 2 nights.

NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS TRIP

Transport or flights to the start of the trip in Launceston

insurance

any optional tours and activities during free time

tips or gratuities and items of a personal nature.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How fit do I need to be to do this walk?

This walk is suitable for those who are looking for a walking / hiking holiday experience. A good level of fitness is needed to complete this walk. You must be capable of walking between 5 – 6 hours a day along formed tracks and beaches. We’ll take the pace at a level that suits everyone, with plenty of rest stops and opportunities to take photos during each day. For those wanting to take the option to walk to the Summit of Cradle Mountain an excellent level of fitness is required.

Please note if you have any medical conditions which may affect your walking we suggest you seek medical advice before booking this tour.

Is there a portered walk option?

All our guests will have their overnight bags transported, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the walk instead of struggling with a large backpack.

So what will I need to carry?

All our guests will just need to carry a small day pack with water, camera and any small personal items you want access to during the day. You won’t even need to carry your lunch as your guide will carry the groups lunch.

Do you cater for different dietary requirements?

Yes we can provide for any special dietary requirements. When booking please specify your special dietary requirements with as much details as possible. If you require specific meals such as gluten free, vegetarians that don’t eat fish or vegan, other than our standard menu you can either bring your own supplements or a $50 surcharge will apply.

If I am travelling on my own do I need to pay a single supplement?

If you are happy to twin share a room with another solo traveller, there is no extra charge. (If we can’t find another solo traveller to share with, you will have your own room at no extra cost). However if you want to request a room specifically for yourself you will be required to pay an additional fee, enquire for details.

What time does this adventure start and finish?

Meet your friendly Tasmanian guides at 8.00am at the Grand Chancellor, Launceston. The return journey to Launceston will arrive back at approx 6.30pm.

Can you recommend pre and post tour accommodation?

As our 7:30am pickup is at Hotel Grand Chancellor in Launceston, for convenience we recommend this hotel of choice for your pre -tour accommodation.

I’m driving, where should I park my car?

If you are driving to meet the group, please let us know and we will discuss the best options for meeting and parking your car.

How many people are in each walking group?

We run this tour with a maximum of 10 walkers.

This tour is operated by Life’s an Adventure for Women’s Own Adventure.